The name of this neighborhood gives a nod to one of the many crops grown in this part of the Sonoran Desert. Sitting on the outskirts of Yuma, Valley Citrus Estates abuts some of the vast farmland that grows the lettuce and other leafy greens that end up on many plates across the country during certain times of the year. The neighborhood consists of a blend of older and newer homes and enjoys a location with some unique advantages. “This side of town is very mixed in a good way,” says Selma Martinez, a Realtor with the Realty Agency. “You get country life, but you’re still within city limits. I mean, you literally just cross the street, and you’re within the city.”
Older ranch-style homes and Spanish Revival additions
The west end of the Yuma area splits into distinct sides, with Valley Citrus Estates belonging to the string of communities that tend to have more decades-old homes. The southern end of Valley Citrus Estates has ranch- and Pueblo-style houses surrounded by lanky palms and other desert trees. Groups of newer Spanish Revivals with Craftsman accents exist a little farther north, while more spacious and farmland-adjacent properties occupy the western end of the neighborhood. Depending on age and size, single-family homes go from $250,000 to about $580,000. “One of the major drivers to Yuma is the cost of living. We are extremely stable … Yuma, across the board, is extremely affordable,” says Katie Franco, a Realtor with Keller Williams and the leader of The Beacon Home Group.
Five minutes from Valley Aquatic Center and Sunrise Optimist Park
Although no municipal parks exist within the neighborhood’s boundaries, Valley Citrus Estates is only about 2 miles, or 5 minutes, from the Valley Aquatic Center. The facility offers this side of the city a nearby place to cool off on particularly hot days. In addition to large competitive and leisure pools, the facility’s attractions include a diving board, both small and tall slides and fixtures that spray water. The aquatic center neighbors Sunrise Optimist Park, where amenities include a disc golf course and workout stations.
Within minutes of authentic Mexican eateries
No eateries exist within Valley Citrus Estates, but those looking to dine out have a few places within a few miles. For Southwestern and Hispanic fare, there’s Tacos & Mariscos Costa Baja. The laidback spot is easy to spot with its outside fence, which is covered in marine-themed art featuring marlins. The eatery is down the road from Taqueria San Pedro, another casual place that serves more authentic Mexican street fare. El Saborsito dishes out chilled and sweet desserts from a repurposed camper. About 3 miles from the neighborhood, Food City offers the nearest grocery store.
Gowan Science Academy’s STEM option
Valley Citrus Estates is 5 minutes from Salida Del Sol Elementary School, which gets a C from Niche. Although Crane Middle School serves the neighborhood, students may enroll at the Gowan Science Academy, a STEM-focused school choice option. Gowan teaches students from prekindergarten to eighth grade, and its unique activities include required field trips at each grade level. These activities may involve outings to study native insects or learn about how crops are raised. Crane Middle and Gowan, respectively, get B-minus and B-plus grades from Niche. Depending on where they live, students may finish at Yuma High or Cibola High, which, respectively, get C and B grades from Niche.
Starting the Midnight At The Oasis downtown
Valley Citrus Estates is about 5 miles west, or less than 15 minutes, from downtown Yuma, a frequent meetup point for local events. The Midnight At The Oasis classic car show occurs in early March and starts with a rally downtown before moving to the city’s Desert Sun Stadium for the next few days. Numerous car enthusiasts come out for the event to browse hundreds of polished — and some deliberately rusted — vintage models. Food vendors and cover bands playing classic tunes add to the entertainment.
West Eighth commute to downtown
While many here drive, those needing alternative transportation will find a Yuma County Area Transit bus stop along West Eighth Street. The neighborhood is also about 5 miles from Interstate 8, which travelers use to reach the other communities around Yuma. “If anybody works in California, the freeway is literally eight minutes from there. It’s a very convenient location,” Martinez says. The neighborhood is about 20 minutes from the Yuma International Airport, which runs American Airlines flights to Phoenix and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Onvida Health Yuma Medical Center is the nearest hospital facility.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Rare County Oasis with Income-Producing Date Palms! Discover this unique 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in the counties, featuring a cozy fireplace, lush landscaping, and a backyard oasis filled with mature plants and greenery. The property boasts highly productive date palms that generate over $10,000 annually, making it both beautiful and profitable. With RV storage, a spacious workshop, and
Spacious 4 bed 2 bath home located in Ellington. With over 1700 square feet of living space, this home sits on a large lot and offers endless potential to create the outdoor space you've always envisioned-- whether that's a pool, garden, or custom patio. Inside, the home features both a family room and open living area, giving you flexible space for hosting or everyday living.
Welcome to Rancho Escondido! This stunning new construction home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, offering a spacious 2,208 square feet of living space on a 1-acre lot. Enjoy high-end finishes like quartz countertops, alder wood cabinets, a large kitchen island, high ceilings, and a spacious laundry room with ample storage. It also includes 8-foot doors and 6-foot French doors in both the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nabile Fuentes,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
619
Median Age
37
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,918
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,110
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
74.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
% Population in Labor Force
53.7%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
